Hey guys, bought my 2003 4R about a month ago and love the thing. Drives good, looks good, and gets right where its suppose to MPG-wise. It is an older vehicle though approaching 200,000 miles and I'm wondering whats the standard care for a vehicle this old? Any major overhaul? Obviously all the fluids should be swapped but what else? Also, there is some rust on the frame and hitch and that really bothers me. What is the best thing to do about? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

I am in a similar situation. I recently bought a 2005 T4R SR5 with 172K miles. I will be taking it in to a local mechanic for a full check up. They will spend about 1.5 hours going over the whole vehicle and recommend what needs to be done by importance, 1-5. 1 being needs immediate attention and 5 being later down the road.

I have two 4Runners -- a 2003 and a 2004, both V8s, one with 112k one with 114k and both have sunroof issues.

I keep hearing with good upkeep, these should last well into the 200's.

What kind of sunroof issues are you having on your current 4runners? I have a 1998 4runner and the sunroof seems to leak from somewhere? I just bought a 2016 TEP and am hoping to not have this issue in the future!

What i would do is a timing belt/water pump if they are to be replaced, cus if those go out while you drive ^^ and overall maintenance, check to see if tires wear evenly for a maybe future aligment. No check engine nothing? I mean, it's a 4runner :P it's not like you will ever have to rebuild the engine ;)

They both leak/ed. 03 has rust around the sunroof frame and still leaks. 04 leaked until I locked it in place and disabled the motor do no one would try to move it.

OP, check out the 4th gen section for more specifics of this question. use the search function as well.

I have two 1998 4 runners with sunroofs or moonroofs and I've had no problems whatsoever with either one leaking. One has over 300, 000 on it and the other has 280,000 on it.

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You guys are all making me feel good. My 2006 has 170000 on her which makes me a little nervous. Hearing about 200K and 300K owners makes my day!

170k is just getting it broken in. look around, there is a ton of info on these vehicles. at 200k pretty much everything becomes a consumable part.

If it were my new to me vehicle this is what I would looking to:
change oil (i prefer mobil 1)
front, rear diff, transfer case fluid change (75-90 mobil1).
grease drive shaft
check air filter and cabin air filter
check calipers for proper operation and replace as needed (there is a 5th gen upgrade for this, but is not necessary for good performance)
fluid exchange on tranny fluid (i used Maxlife on both of mine with good results) shold be done every 100k
change ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and links
check and replace as needed shocks and springs (be careful here, you may want to give it a lift and this is a dark and dangerous path that gets expensive quickly)
v8s will be ready for another timing belt and water pump and serp belt (every 90-100k)
time for a new set of iridium plugs. (every 100k)
carbon air filter delete
check wheel bearings and replace as needed
check cv axle boots for tears/destruction and replace as needed.
clean MAF and throttlebody

This may sound like a lot, but like I said, everything is a maintenance item at 200k. you don't have to do any of these things and you can just drive your 4runner until it stops. but if you want to drive your 4runner another 100 to 200k these are all necessary (IF they haven't been done by the previous owner).

Edit: Well shit. First post was in 2015. Oh well, hopefully this will be useful to someone...

@Morphyne , there are plenty of people still buying and reading posts. Thanks for the input!


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That's what she said.

I would add in that rust-related items also creep at 200k range.
- replace the steel trans cooler lines under the radiator, they rust and turn to paper.
- check the High pressure power steering line for rust or leaks.
- gas tank straps, they rust, the skid is then the only thing holding it in.
- hood latch mechanism. If the smaller of the two internal springs rusts and breaks, you can't fully close the hood. Easy $40 parts to replace in 1minute too.

That about sums up my last 6 months

I have 2005 4runner V6 with 150,000 miles.

Have a spare WP + new AM starter spare / she ate threw 4 starters in 15 years from new. Original WP is still in there with original radiator / alternator. Brakes were done once about 10 000 miles ago.

Other than that just change oil and filter every 5000 miles. Plugs about every 75,000 miles.

Runs with all the power she had when new in 2005.

Had a 1995 GMC Jimmy from new and she rusted away (body) to practically junk.

No rust on the body of the 4 runner - anywhere - in 15 years - one block from the ocean. Superficial rust on underbody frame. Still can see the black undercoating paint everywhere.

How'd they do that?

My 4runner was built in Japan.

Starts up on first or second turn all the time. Never ever flooded out like the Jimmy.

Dealer did a tranny service at 100,000 miles - which is a drain and fill of 5 quarts + filter

I will do another 5 quart drain and fill at 175,000 miles.

Before anything else, you must change the oil. Use a high-mileage oil, the car has been on the road for a while. On my 280,000-mile Honda I use a Castrol Best Motor Oil for High Mileage Engines - Reviews & Comparison
You should also check for rust, parts like the power steering line and the cooler lines beneath the radiator could have been subjected to rusting by now. If needed, change them.